Common Issues
Fast fixes for the most common VoiceInk setup and recording problems.
Start Here
Most VoiceInk issues come from one of five places:
- A missing macOS permission.
- The wrong microphone being selected.
- A Mode using settings you did not expect.
- A local model that is too slow for the Mac.
- Paste or clipboard timing in the target app.
Permissions
VoiceInk needs Microphone permission to record. It also needs Accessibility permission to paste reliably, read selected text for context, and control some app interactions.
Screen Recording permission is only needed when you use screen context in a Mode.
See Installation for the setup flow.
Recording and Transcription
If you get no output or poor accuracy, start with Transcription Failing. Check the Audio view, confirm the macOS input level moves, and make sure the selected Mode has a working transcription model.
If output is slow, see Transcription Taking Too Long. Local models can be fast on Apple Silicon, but Intel Macs usually work better with cloud transcription.
If output repeats text or invents words, see Repeated Text or Hallucinations.
Modes and Automatic Changes
Modes can automatically switch VoiceInk settings based on the active app, website, trigger group, default Mode, or a Mode shortcut.
If your model, language, prompt, context sources, output behavior, or auto-send setting changes unexpectedly, see Model or Language Changing Automatically.
Pasting
VoiceInk pastes by placing the final text on the clipboard and sending Command+V. If the text transcribes but does not paste, or if your old clipboard content appears instead, see Clipboard Issues.
Paste controls are in Settings -> Pasting.
License and Activation
If you need your macOS license key, open the Polar portal:
https://polar.sh/beingpax/portal/request
Use the same email address you used when purchasing VoiceInk. For more detail, see License Management.
macOS and iOS licenses are separate. See iOS and macOS Licenses Are Separate.
Still Need Help
Use Dashboard -> Copy System Info or Settings -> Diagnostics -> Export Logs before contacting support. Those details make it much easier to understand permissions, model setup, provider configuration, and recent app state.